ENVIRONMENT bosses have rubbished claims that changes to waste collections are stirring up a big stink.

They say hundreds of people have been to roadshows to find out more about the new alternate weekly collection service for refuse that has boosted recycling in the borough - and most support the changes.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, the council's environment boss, said: "I have been pleasantly surprised by the really positive attitude of the vast majority of people who have come to talk to us.

"So far we have had two or three people shouting at us, but with hundreds of people coming to the roadshows the number is tiny.

"Most people welcome the opportunity to recycle a lot more.

"In fact, many people are saying 'It's about time.'

"I keep being told that lots of people don't want alternate weekly collections so I've been going to the roadshows to find out first-hand why all the dissatisfied and angry people object - but where are they all?

"I'm really keen to listen to people's objections and to have the chance to understand what people are objecting to and where the service can be improved.

"By listening to residents on the Friday alternate weekly collection, we have made some significant changes to the paper and cardboard collection."

Councillor Hobhouse said that many people wanted to recycle more of their waste and understood the need for changing the service.

There were others who don't like the idea of having to separate their waste into different containers, but those people were likely to remain dissatisfied however often refuse was collected, she said.

The information roadshows are being held as part of the council's efforts to let people know what to expect from the new service when it is extended from the Pennines Township into Heywood and those parts of the Rochdale Township where refuse is collected on Wednesdays - including Castleton, Bamford and parts of Norden.

The roadshow at Tesco supermarket at Sudden on Thursday attracted more than 250 people.

Overall, 625 people have attended the nine roadshows held so far.

More Rochdale roadshows are due to be held at in Leonard Street, Castleton (opposite the Late Shop) on Tuesday 29 May from 10am to 4pm, in Springfield Park on Wednesday 30 May, from 10am to 4pm and at Alder Road/Kirklee Road, Castleton, on Thursday 31 May from noon to 4pm.